Mild magicians cast spell again

Anyone can become a mild magician during the UK’s longest running and largest promotion of the beer style, which kicks off today. 

Organised by volunteers from several CAMRA branches, the Mild Magic trail, now in its 32nd year, runs from now until Sunday 17 May.

This year 102 pubs are taking part, covering a wide area in and around Greater Manchester, and all will be stocking at least one cask mild for the five-week event.

Participants only have to visit one pub in 12 different areas and drink at least half a pint of cask mild beer in each to start winning prizes. You can upgrade your prizes by visiting 24, 48 or all 102 pubs.

All successful entrants will be included in a draw for a trip round Bollington brewery, Macclesfield in September. In addition, one lucky winner will be able to organise a trip around the RedWillow brewery in Macclesfield for themselves and five friends.

Mild Magic is once again sponsored by Hydes brewery, which makes both a light and dark mild all year round at its Salford site.

For 2026, Joseph Holt’s brewery in Cheetham Hill is brewing a new 5.3 per cent ABV mild, appropriately called Mild and Mighty, alongside its regular offering which is available all year.

Meanwhile, Runaway brewery in Stockport is also brewing a special dark mild. It’s called Man-Chesters Mild and is made in conjunction with local CAMRA member, What’s Brewing online columnist and beer writer Matthew Curtis, whose updated and expanded version of his book, Manchester's Best Beer, Pubs and Bars, has just been released. The beer is inspired by Chesters’ Mild, brewed in Salford decades ago.

Manchester brewery, Blackjack, is collaborating with Newbarns of Edinburgh to produce a special mild. Another two Manchester producers, Steelfish and Strawflower, have teamed up with Silent brewery in Buxton to brew a mild for the trail. The well-regarded Torrside will also be conjuring up a mild for trailers to enjoy. In addition, many local independent breweries such as Brightside from Radcliffe, will be offering mild beers.

Last year, no less than 88 milds were on the trail.

Although the total number of pubs is the same as last year, there are nine newcomers to enjoy.

Clubs that will welcome all ale-trailers are the Legion in Poynton, Ladybarn in Ladybarn and the Carlton Club in Whalley Range.

Organiser Glenn Males said: “I am very grateful to our sponsors and all the breweries, pubs and clubs which have come together to help us highlight this heritage beer style.

“From light-coloured, low-strength milds to stronger, dark ruby-coloured ones, there will be something to tickle everyone’s tastebuds.

“This year, many local breweries are producing special brews for the event so now’s the chance to try something new, as well as visit a venue you may have never visited before.

“You could also join up with fellow ale-trailers on organised rambles round pubs in Stockport on the opening day or around Macclesfield on Friday 1 May.

“A record 260 people enjoyed the trail experience last year and generated an estimated 5,500 pub visits. Let’s try and beat that number this year as well as having a great time, you will be supporting local breweries and pubs in what are very difficult times for the industry.”

Full details of the trail, including rules, venues and a downloadable card for stickers can be found at ssm.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=214089

The Mild Magic Ale Trail is coordinated by the Stockport and South Manchester branch with input from Central Manchester, East Cheshire, Tameside and Trafford and Hulme.